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Turn your notes into a Moodle quiz import format file

Upload a PDF, slides or notes and get multiple-choice, true/false or open questions with explanations, ready for Moodle XML export on the Pro plan.

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What a Moodle quiz import format file needs

A moodle quiz import format is a file Moodle reads into a question bank in one pass, so you do not retype each question by hand. Moodle accepts several layouts, and the two most common are Moodle XML, which uses tags such as question and answer with a fraction value, and GIFT, a plain-text layout where equals and tilde signs mark the right and wrong options.

Moodle XML wraps each question in a question tag with a type attribute.
Multiple-choice questions need exactly one option with fraction 100 to be scored correct.
GIFT places the correct answer after an equals sign and wrong answers after tildes.
Import the finished file through the course question bank, not a quiz settings page.

Example Moodle quiz import questions

Which tag wraps every question in a Moodle XML file?The question tag, which carries a type attribute such as multichoice or truefalse and sits inside a root quiz element.

In Moodle XML, which fraction value marks the correct answer on a multiple-choice question?A fraction of 100, which gives full credit for that answer, while wrong options are set to 0 because they earn nothing.

How does GIFT mark correct and incorrect answers in a multiple-choice question?The correct answer follows an equals sign and wrong answers follow tildes, all in curly braces after the question, such as What is 2+2? {=4 ~3 ~5}.

Which Moodle XML question type is used for true/false questions?The truefalse type, with the correct option given a fraction of 100 and the other option set to 0.

Where do you import a Moodle XML or GIFT file in Moodle?In the course question bank, using the Import option, where you choose the file format and select your file.

Generate the full set

Moodle XML export

Pro plan files carry multiple-choice, true/false and short-answer questions into your course question bank.

Explanations included

Each question comes with a short explanation students can read after answering.

Built from your files

Upload PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, notes or photos of pages, and the questions follow your material.

How it works

Upload your material

Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain-text notes or a photo of a page.

Choose question types

Pick multiple choice, true/false or open questions for the quiz.

Export for Moodle

On Pro, export Moodle XML and import it through your course question bank.

DeckOwl does not hand you a blank template or a printable worksheet. It writes questions from your own material, with explanations, and the Pro plan exports them as Moodle XML or QTI 2.1 files you can import into your course. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, but exports are paid features.

Before sharing a file with students, import it into a test course and preview each question. A missing answer fraction or a stray character can make a question import blank, and a quick check catches it early.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a Moodle XML quiz file look like?

It is a plain text file with a root quiz element that holds one question element per item. Each question has a type attribute, a question text, and answer elements, where the correct option has fraction set to 100.

How many questions should I write for one Moodle quiz on a single topic?

Start with a focused set that covers the main ideas of the topic, then add a few open questions to check recall, not just recognition.

Do I need a paid plan to get a Moodle import file?

Yes, Moodle XML export is part of the Pro plan at $14.99/month. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, but no exports.

Can I test the file before my students see it?

Yes, import it into a test course or a hidden quiz and preview each question. Check that answer fractions and explanations appear as expected before publishing.

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Keep exploring the topic

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